onset
ˈɑːnsɛt
Definition Synonyms

Definition of onset - Reverso English Dictionary

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Noun

1.
startbeginning of something, often unpleasant
  • The onset of winter brought heavy snow.
beginning commencement
2.
medicalTECH.initial phase of a disease with symptomsTECH.
  • The doctor noted the onset of the illness.
beginning outset start
3.
acousticsTECH.beginning of a musical note or soundTECH.
  • The onset of the note was sharp and clear.
beginning start
4.
warDatedmilitary offensive against an enemyDated
  • The onset was launched at dawn.
assault attack
5.
phonologyTECH.initial portion of a syllable before the nucleusTECH.
  • In 'cat', 'c' is the onset.
beginning prefix start
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Expressions with onset

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starting slowly and steadily
The illness had a gradual onset, making it hard to detect early.
beginning of a process or activity
The onset of action in the project was delayed due to unforeseen issues.
quality or behavior developing much later than is usual or expected
She experienced a late-onset interest in painting after retirement.
time when a sickness first starts or first shows clear signs
The doctor asked about the disease onset to understand how the symptoms developed.

Origin of onset

Middle English, onsetten (to attack)

Terms with onset included in their meaning

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medical
sudden onset of a disease or condition
event onset
time at which an event or activity begins
onset
beginning or start of something
phonology
onset of a syllable in phonetics
acuteadj.
medical
of recent or sudden onset
hypnic jerk
sudden muscle movement during sleep onset
medical
type of autism with late onset or atypical symptoms
pregnancy
series of temporary contractions resembling the onset of childbirth

Examples of onset in a sentence

  • The onset of the storm caught everyone by surprise.
  • Early onset of the flu can be severe.
  • The onset of symptoms was sudden and alarming.
  • The onset of the symphony was breathtaking.
  • Listeners were captivated by the onset of the melody.
  • The onset was unexpected and caught them off guard.

View all translations of onset

Click below to see the appropriate translations facing each meaning.
  1. French:début, manifestation, ...
  2. German:Beginn, Ausbruch, ...
  3. Italian:inizio, insorgenza, ...
  4. Spanish:comienzo, ataque, ...
  5. Portuguese:início, aparecimento, ...
  6. Chinese:开始, 起病, ...
  7. Japanese:到来, 発症, ...
  8. Arabic:بداية, زَمَن البَدْء, ...
  9. Hebrew:הַתְחָלָה, הִתְפָּרְצוּת, ...
  10. Russian:начало, появление, ...
  11. Ukrainian:початок, наступ, ...
  12. Hindi:शुरुआत, रोगारंभ, ...
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